Reclaiming the Great Commission

A Roadmap to Parish Health

By: Evan Armatas

Narrated by: Evan Armatas

Jesus’ last words to his disciples were “Go...and make disciples of all the nations” (Matt. 28:19–20).

Unfortunately, many parishes are struggling to follow this commandment. In Reclaiming the Great Commission, Fr. Evan Armatas offers a roadmap to help us get back on track. Relying on his 20 years of parish experience, Holy Scripture, and insights from research and his visits with churches across the US, he discusses how you and your community can implement changes that will transform, revitalize, and renew your parish.

You’ll learn how to diagnose and remove the barriers you face, deal with resistance to change, define what a healthy parish looks like, lead with purpose, and create a parish health plan. Written for clergy, council members, ministry leaders, small groups, and all committed parishioners, this audiobook will help any church in its journey to reclaim the Great Commission.

©2022 Evan Armatas (P)2022 Evan Armatas

How to evangelize taught right

There’s so much material claiming to be THE WAY to evangelize like it’s a formula. Fr Evan shares much needed experience, strength, and hope. The delicate balance of storytelling and exhortation was well crafted and kept me engaged for the duration. I can’t wait to share this with my community.

Very thought provoking and encouraging.

Very practical, relatable, thought provoking and encouraging. Great read for anyone involved in church leadership.

Great Blueprint for Parish Health

I love this book, read by Fr. Evan Armatas who is my Parish Priest.

I’ve experienced what he’s teaching here as our Parish learned little things such as tithing our time and talent (participation in the life of the community).
Parishioners became empowered to form groups. We wrote our own mission statement’s and the success/failures were reviewed after a year.

My personal experience was starting the Northern Colorado Chapter of the Fellowship of Saint Moses the Black.

Because the Parishioners are making sure the Parish is clean, guests are welcomed and expectations are clear, our clergy ( busy, busy, busy) can attend to Spiritual matters as they should.

The enthusiasm when you walk into St. Spyridon is a wonder!
Many new people walk into the church each week both churches and never been to a church before.
I’m truly amazed!
Because of the way we are involved in the life of the Parish… visitors are made welcome enthusiastically!

When we have an Introduction to Orthodoxy series, we have an Introduction to Christianity class.

At 75, and just as vital a part of what’s going on as our young adults (we have a young Church! We mix everyone together.

I hope this is encouragement to listen and try these changes in your community.

Wonderful guide to parish health

This book is a terrific resource for anyone who is hoping to gain a better understanding of parish health. It is particularly helpful for parish leaders, council members, and others in leadership positions. Father Evan’s experience with St. Spyridon Church in Colorado is a tremendous example for all of us of what we can and should strive for in Christian ministry.

Business Church

Part 1 was too fluffy for me. Lots of Hubris to think people should study your book.
Part 2 had some good points on what a parish should not be. Culture should not take a place higher than worship etc.
part 3 is a leadership/business book. FM 3-0 mixed with a Jon Gordon book. God has a plan and a vision we don’t need to make one. Church doesn’t need strategy meetings and smart goals. Just like God doesn’t need marketing.
If you want to go to business church then read this books. If you want to go to church to Worship the living God find another book.

Not about sharing the Gospel

This book is about having a healthy parish which thrives, and therefore fulfills the great commission. It is written more so to priests and a parish council.
It has zero profit for Orthodox members hoping to learn how to fulfill the great commission in their daily lives.
Frankly, it was a waste of my time, since I am not a priest. I want help learning how to talk about my faith… not how to make guests feel welcome in a Divine Liturgy.